The large crowds that attended to honour the man simply known as 'Heffo' today mirrored more than 1,000 who attended the removal last night.

Hearse

The hearse which took him to the church from St Francis Hospice in Raheny had stopped briefly outside the home of Dublin GAA, Parnell Park, the place where he planned his brilliant strategies which brought victory to great Dublin teams.

His cortege also passed his beloved St Vincent's GAA club and Clontarf Golf Club.

His coffin had been carried into the church firstly by members of Clontarf Golf Club, and then members of the 1970s Dublin team he built towards All-Ireland success.

Outside the church the coffin was taken by close friends, including former Dublin manager Pat Gilroy. Young members of St Vincent's club formed a guard of honour.

Flags of the county and club teams flew at half-mast in a nearby schoolyard.

A few fans in Dublin gear were among the 1,000 plus who came to pay their respects and give thanks to the man who gave his city and the GAA so much.

His friend and colleague from the ESB Michael Hayden paid tribute to Mr Heffernan from the altar, saying he "achieved extraordinary things through his life".

"Despite all of that, he resolutely refused to be considered to be an exceptional person in any sense," Mr Hayden said. "Those of you who know him well will know he always kept his feet firmly on the ground. He had an unflinching adherence to principles that he thought were important."

But more than anything, the removal was a Vincent's affair, with Monsignor John Fitzpatrick -- nephew of Vincent's founder Brother Fitzpatrick -- the chief celebrant.